I was able to sit down with Kingsford Middle School Robotics Team member, Emma! She has been working on the KMS Robotics team for years. Other announcements: Follow me on Twitter: @mr_jvd Read my Blog: http://mrvandusen.blogspot.com/ ALSO: Be sure to follow the New Teacher Podcast: http://www.newteacher.org/ Also the Route 66 Podcast…

This episode talks about building a stool...but also how to engage kids with carpentry skills and tools. - Measuring Tape - Protractor - Square - Hammer and Nails - Screwdriver and screws - Sandpaper - Stain and Paint Twitter @mr_JVD Insta @mr_jvdusen

With the COVID19 pandemic, we are all looking for things to do with our kids at home. The STEM Teacher Podcast was MADE FOR THIS! E80 covers other episodes that will help you out, as well as gives some other ideas. Twitter @mr_JVD Instagram @mr_jvdusen stemteacherpodcast@gmail.com

One of my very best friends, Kyle Anderson, has published a book that is available today! https://www.totheedgeedu.com/ Follow Kyle here: Twitter: https://twitter.com/AndersonEdTech He is the co-host of two podcasts, find them here: The Beer EDU Podcast: The podcast for educators that love to learn and share ideas with fellow educators over beers! …

My son recently joined the Cub Scouts and one of the first things we did was earn his Whittling Chip and complete the "Bear Claws" adventure. Whittling can be a lot of fun as long as you do it safely! Bear Claws Adventure: https://boyscouttrail.com/cub-scouts/bear-claws-adventure.php Whittling Chip: http://www.boyscouttrail.com/content/award/whittl…

In this episode, we talk about how to do some detective work! We talk about fingerprints, blood spatter, discovering different substances, and identifying bootprints! Twitter: @Mr_JVD Instagram: @mr_jvdusen stemteacherpodcast@gmail.com

It has been a LONG time since we pushed out an episode here on, "The STEM Teacher Podcast!" This one isn't completly STEM related, but it's helping us get back in the grove. In this episode we talk with my son, James VanDusen, about him playing football with his friends and also helping out on the Kingsford Flivver Sidlines for JV and Varsity footb…

I have had a binder with me over the past 12 years of teaching that I just keep adding to. It is full of brain busting puzzles. I go over a few in this episode. See if you can figure them out! Twitter: @mr_jvd Instagram: @mr_jvdusen stemteacherpodcast@gmail.com

This episode turned into a bit of a rant. I read an old blog post of mine from 2017 about failure, we talk about how failure might be a good thing, and I finish with some quotes on failure. Buckle your seat belt...this one is a bumpy ride. Twitter: @Mr_JVD Instagram: @mr_jvdusen stemteacherpodcast@gmail.com…

We talk about a 3 week project we do in my room with all kinds of different spheres and how you can have fun at home by letting them ROLL! Twitter: @Mr_JVD Instagram: @mr_jvdusen stemteacherpodcast@gmail.com

In this episode we highlight all the AMAZING things your local library (probably) offers! Twitter: @Mr_JVD Instagram: @mr_jvdusen stemteacherpodcast@gmail.com

My students learn about the habitat and sounds associated with the Wild Turkey! National Wild Turkey Federation http://www.nwtf.org/ Twitter: @Mr_JVD Instagram: @mr_jvdusen stemteacherpodcast@gmail.com The Kingsford Flivver Flash https://anchor.fm/flivver-football Kingsford Flivver Football Follow us on Social Media! Facebook: https://www.facebook.…

In this episode, long time STEM Teacher Podcast member, James, comes on to tell us some of his favorite games and activities to play both inside and outside. Spoiler alert.....none of them are screen games! Twitter: @Mr_JVD Instagram: @mr_jvdusen stemteacherpodcast@gmail.com

I talk with Maria and Mikayla from Wayne State University in Detroit. Maria is the Student Engagement Coordinator and Mikayla is a C2 Pipeline Student Assistant. We talk about the C2 pipeline and the student outreach to local high schools and the cool activities available in their STEM lab Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/WSUC2Pipeline/ Twitter: h…

It’s a short but CrAzY week before we kick off spring break! We talk about a fast and fun game we can play with a pair of die! Keep Calm your Internet is on: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYys_Jg9xz4 Heading into spring break, here are some other episodes to keep you and your kiddos busy! Episode 3: Spring Break STEM https://anchor.fm/john-vandus…

The Michigan Association of Computer Users in Learning (MACUL) held it’s 2019 conference in Detroit, MI. I was lucky enough to attend for the 3rd year in a row. This was my first year presenting! My presentation was on podcasting, and it’s available here: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Iya6f8claI49hX7PYPdHgTe8Ot4Fh6alm1Aru7Ebg7I/edit?usp=s…

Measuring can be fun! In this episode we talk about how Pre-K through 4th graders are measuring to the nearest inch. You can do it with any age! We also preview the Michigan Association of Computer Users in Learning (MACUL) 2019 conference in Detroit. Keynote speakers: Stephen Ritz- Founder of the Green Bronx Machine; author: “Power of the Plant.” …

Working with perimeter can be fun, even if you don't know how to measure things! We go over the definition of perimeter as well as things you see every day to get our minds wrapped around what perimeter is. We also talk about how to find things with perimeter and how to measure them EVEN IF you can't use a ruler! There are few bonus perimeters at t…

March is reading month...but why? Learn what we are doing in Kingsford for MiRM as well as things that might be happening at your local library. I go over some STEM books that your younger elementary children might find interesting as well as some books for those tweens/teens in your life. Last but not least, you will find out WHY March is Reading …

Do you have snow? Do you want to go sledding?! Learn some cool ways to incorporate STEM into your fun day of sledding! Twitter: @mr_jvd Instagram: @mr_jvdusen stemteacherpodcast@gmail.com

The microscope has been around since the 1500's! Learn how it was invented, the three types, and all the fun you can have looking at household items under your very own microscope! Twitter: @mr_jvd Instagram: @mr_jvdusen stemteacherpodcast@gmail.com

Lean the science behind tongue twisters and how they slow down your brain! There are 3 types of tongue twisters as well as a type for ASL! Twitter: @mr_jvd Instagram: @mr_jvdusen stemteacherpodcast@gmail.com

With 3 "COLD DAYS" out of the last four school days, here are 4 more ideas for things your children can do. Part I had a lot of "loud" ideas, these are "quiet." Twitter: @mr_jvd Instagram: @mr_jvdusen stemteacherpodcast@gmail.com

With the temps dropping below zero, here are 5 ideas of things to do when it's SO cold you can't go outside! Twitter: @mr_jvd Insta: @mr_jvdusen stemteacherpodcast@gmail.com

CAUTION: MIND BLOWING INFORMATION!!!! Learn about the sun, the planets, moons, and why Pluto is no longer a planet! I would say this podcast is "EARTH SHATTERING"....but it's bigger than that! Twitter: @mr_jvd Instagram: @mr_jvdusen stemteacherpodcast@gmail.com

Learn 6 different STEM activities you can do (besides Screens...check out Episode 33 for that!) to keep busy at a restaurant while waiting for your food! Twitter: @mr_JVD Instagram: @mr_jvdusen stemteacherpodcast@gmail.com

Communication is paramount when it comes to teaching, parenting, coaching, etc. Listen up on how to engage kids with open ended questions! Also learn how I'm engaging my STEM class using open ended problems! Episode Links How to draw toast: https://www.drawtoast.com/ How to be a great 5th grader: https://youtu.be/Fcjz73v5JUQ Twitter: @Mr_JVD Instag…

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Taking a tip from Marty McFly, I go into the past and predict the future of this podcast. Give it a listen, you will be happy you did! Twitter: @mr_jvd Instagram: @mr_jvdusen stemteacherpodcast@gmail.com

With break coming up in a day or two, maybe you need a few zingers to lay on your kids while they are home. You WILL NOT be disappointed!#TeacherJokesTwitter: @mr_jvdInsta: @mr_jvdusenstemteacherpodcast@gmail.com

We talk with Amanda Gibbons about Lego Robotics.Amanda is the Region 1 (Upper Peninsula) director for Michigan.https://www.facebook.com/firstinmichigan/

You can be a SECRET AGENT by making secret messages!Pair this podcast with the SECRET AGENT youtube video: https://youtu.be/mo8WRRb09LIThis worksheet can be printed and used to make your own secret messages: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CoLObxJgh5bAuON035ifjk8RaK6B5P0cIfqy1CZrq8U/edit?usp=sharingTwitter: @Mr_JVDInstagram: @mr_jvdusenstemteac…

The Kingsford Band is AMAZING! Learn about the band as well as the benefits of playing a musical instrument and simply listening to music!Twitter: @mr_jvdstemteacherpodcast@gmail.com

Episode 50 isn't just for when your stuck at home on a "snow day!"Snowmen...Ice Lanterns...Cookies!!Listen to learn about 7 great activities you can do when it's snowy outside!Twitter: @Mr_JVDstemteacherpodcast@gmail.com

So you want to be an Architect!! What does that even mean?You will learn what are architect is, what they do, how much money they make, and how you become an architect. Watch this music video from YKK Architectural Products!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6E6HHPJiVmYHere is a worksheet you can use with your kids: https://docs.google.com/presentatio…

Our guest Kyle Anderson discusses his experiences in technology and education. We also discuss how STEM is used in Special Education and where STEM is headed in the future. Follow Kyle on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AndersonEdTechListen to Kyle on the Beer EDU podcast: https://twitter.com/BeerEDUPod…

We talk about what a decibel is, how loud things are, and the QUIETEST ROOM IN THE WORLD!! My teacher ears think that sounds glorious!Quit Room: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/earths-quietest-place-will-drive-you-crazy-in-45-minutes-180948160/Twitter: @Mr_JVDstemteacherpodcast@gmail.com

Do you like DST? What do you REALLY know about it?Learn more! If you want to read more about it, here is a great website: http://www.webexhibits.org/daylightsaving/index.html

Fire can be VERY complex! We talk about the basics of the fire triangle: Heat, Fuel, Oxygen. Check it out!Twitter: @Mr_JVD

Simple shapes can be a lot of fun!Learn about triangles, squares, rectangles, pentagons, hexagons, and octagons!Spur conversations while in the garage or while on the road! SHAPES ARE EVERYWHERE!!

Today we talk with Justin Cowen about 3-D Printing and Coding. Justin is the Technology Integration Specialist for Breitung Township Schools. He is a Code.org AP CSP Facilitator and a UP SMILE (Science and Math Integration with Literacy and Engineering) trained educator.Enjoy!http://www.cowen.rocks/Twitter: @Cowen_rocks…

Seven STEM things that you can do with your kids this fall!

Here in the U.P., the trees are almost at PEAK COLOR!We all know that fall trees are beautiful....but why?Listen to find out!

Dominoes can be FUN!!...and you get to learn what a PIP is!Learn 4 games and how to do chain reactions!1.5 Times Larger: https://youtu.be/5JCm5FY-dEY?list=PLqYKRbfvLDUQ_XjTa1E0nPyoNBZJPXBbSThe COG: https://youtu.be/Z57kGB-mI54?list=PLqYKRbfvLDUQ_XjTa1E0nPyoNBZJPXBbSDude Perfect Ping-Pong Trick Shots 4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkW87-Z9FAY&in…

How big is the moon?How much would I weigh on the moon?What is a Waning Gibbous?Listen to find out!https://twitter.com/Mr_JVD

Great inventions like the handheld camera, Velcro, and peanut butter will be discussed! There is also a BONUS section at the end...it has to deal with diapers....https://twitter.com/Mr_JVD

Water Lab in STEM class this week! You can do some neat experiments at home with water!Surface tension can be fun!Stack water on top of a coin? SURE!Float a paperclip? YOU BET!Check out some cool pics at https://twitter.com/Mr_JVD

Have you ever used a spoon to pry out some ice cream?That's an example of a Class 1 lever! Have you ever turned a doorknob? That's an example of a wheel and axle!!Listen in to learn about the 6 simple machines and where you find them every day!https://twitter.com/Mr_JVD

Quick one today!! My son and I made a bird-feeder this weekend and it's really cool! ...and a little messy!

Do you know what a group of hippos is called? How about a group of giraffes? Listen in to find out! Also, there is some bonus material at the end where we learn about some baby animal names! My favorite is a puggle. What kind of animal is that?!?! Listen to find out!https://twitter.com/Mr_JVD

Learn some tricks on how to turn SCREEN time into STEM time!Cool Math Games: https://www.coolmathgames.com/Engineering Games: https://www.engineering.com/GamesPuzzles/tabid/82/Default.aspxPBS Kids Games: http://pbskids.org/lab/games/WILD KRATTS: http://pbskids.org/wildkratts/Fun Science Demos: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsbfPM5Wd1REwCIBYJFIyO…